In Conversation with Alex Mercadefe

TF: How did you get into photography?

AM: Damn well heres a funny story... My mom said when I was about 8 years old I would take those Kodak disposable cameras from her closet and start winding the film to take a photo but I would just takes photos of like my couch or something. I guess you can say that's how I got into photography! But what really got me into photography was when I was about 14 years old and my dad passed down his old Minolta SRT 101 with the Minolta 50mm 1.4. Damn, I loved that thing so much! Rip to the Minolta.

TF: When we last spoke, you mentioned that you're working on a year long project. Tell me about that.

AM: Yes, I'm currently working on probably my biggest personal project titled, " Inland Concrete" - which is about documenting the youth culture of every skatepark across the inland empire of southern California. Growing up in the IE I was always into skateboarding and have always been drawn to the energy of skateparks here and the groups of people that spend their days in them. Also hope to make this project into a book and have a show here in my hometown in Riverside, CA.

TF: If you could photograph anyone from present or past, who would it be and why?

AM: That's a good question, haha! Honestly, it would be Dave from Depeche Mode. Depeche mode has been my favorite band since I was young and photographing him would mean the world to me. I also think hes one of most unique singers of all time.

TF: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

AM: Hmmmmm. It would probably be Flash, cause hes hella fast and he doesn't need a car. I hate driving, haha.

TF: Future plans or upcoming projects?

AM: Besides " Inland Concrete", I don't have any other projects lined up really... But my future plans are to get more freelance jobs and hopefully to travel more.

Alexander Mercadefe is a 23 year old Freelance Photographer based out of Riverside, California. See more of his work here, alexmmercadefe.com